Choosing Strollers Pushchairs
A lightweight and comfortable
pushchair shops is essential to those who often use public transportation or take a flight and hop off and on. Find models that fold flat and compactly, and is machine-washable to deal with spilled drinks or leaky nappies stains.
We love strollers that glide effortlessly over pavements and can be mounted easily. Look for car seat attachments that almost feel like they install themselves and a handlebar that adjusts to accommodate parents of all heights.
Simple to Use
There are many different types of strollers pushchairs to suit all lifestyles and budgets. Some are light and compact and easy to fold and move, while others are built with solid frames that are more durable for long walks as well as use on uneven terrain. A lot of them come with a basket for your shopping or a bag to change your clothes in so that you'll have everything that you require. Some are designed for city living, while others are designed for country life or travelling across the globe.
Strollers are typically suitable from birth, allowing baby to recline in a flat position that is recommended for their healthy lung and spinal development. Many strollers can be fitted with a carrycot or infant seat to make them travel systems. They are suitable for infants up to toddlers. Some of them have additional design elements, like a height-adjustable handlebar for parents with different heights, and a large shopping basket or rain cover to keep your baby dry.
Generally, three-wheel pushchairs are more suitable for urban dwellers since they're generally light and nimble, making them easy to manoeuvre. Four-wheel pushchairs are more durable, which makes them perfect for families who live in rural areas or are planning to spend a lot of time in the outdoors. When you're choosing a new pushchair, look for reviews from other parents who discuss the ease of use for instance, the weight of the pushchair and how easy to navigate. It's also worth noticing the size of the base and if it's sturdy enough for your child, particularly if you're planning to take the pushchair off-road or over rough terrain.
Safety
Strollers pushchairs must be safe for infants and toddlers to avoid entrapment or other injuries. Look for a wide base that doesn't easily tip and ensure you test the safety harness by placing weight on it or hanging bags over it, to determine how stable it feels. Verify that the leg openings on the stroller are small enough to ensure that a child's legs don't slide through. Also, make sure the handlebars are placed at waist level or just below for ergonomic use. Another important feature is a brake that locks the rear wheels and is easy to use. Look for models that have brakes built into the wheels instead of only on the frame, since this can help keep them safe from choking and pinch point hazards.
Many strollers have seats that can recline into a flat position which makes them suitable for infants. It is recommended that babies lie flat during the first few months for breathing and head control. Some pushchairs advertise having a reclining seat, but they don't actually offer this make sure you check.
The stroller should be equipped with an adjustable five-point harness (two straps for the shoulders, two straps for the thighs and one for the crotch) Similar to the straps used in car seats. This is important to protect the child from falling out and being pulled out by vehicles or pedestrians.
Make sure the stroller has a parking brake that's simple to use and locks the two front wheels. This will stop the stroller from moving away when you are loading or unloading a child, or stopping to rest.
Comfort
You'll want to feel at ease, whether you're pushing a toddler, or carrying a backpack full of nappies and coffee to take home. Picking a stroller with large robust, wheels that are puncture-proof and can easily glide over rough terrain and a super-smooth suspension will help you have the ability to do that.
A
running pushchair that is small and folds easily can be helpful. It can be difficult to fit a big pushchair into the boot of your car or to climb up a flight stairs, especially when you have a toddler with you. Think about what you intend to use it for, and the weather conditions. A stroller with a hood will protect your child from the elements of wind, rain, and sunbeams.
The last aspect of comfort is how easy it is to control and steer. Keep an eye out for our reviewers' feedback regarding maneuverability. This includes things like how the stroller turns on different surfaces and how easily it can be pushed up hills.
Many pushchairs have handy accessories to keep your baby cool or warm - from footmuffs to fans. Certain brands come with their own nappy bags designed to aid in travel with baby.
A travel system gives you more flexibility. It comprises a stroller chassis (called the chassis), a seat unit that can be placed parent-facing or forward-facing and a bassinet as well as a carrycot. You can take the car seat off and put it back on the chassis as necessary without having to wake your baby. The perfect solution if you're frequently on the move and often need to alter your journey plan.
Style
While the terminology used for strollers
pushchairs, prams and buggies can be confusing, there are a few things that they all have in common. The most important thing to remember is that they're made to take your baby from A to B. Think about how you'll use it and search for features that fit your life style.
If you are planning to walk on uneven surfaces, like sand and muddy fields it is possible to require a pushchair with all-terrain wheels that are puncture resistant. They should also come with a suspension system to make the stroller more comfortable for your child. If your baby becomes hot during long walks, you might want to consider a parasol that can shade them from the sunlight or a fan to keep them cool.
Some pushchairs have adjustable seats so you can decide if your baby faces you to give them a sense of security or the world to explore it. Some pushchairs come with a carrycot that flips to face you, or away from you. Some also have a lie-flat recline for newborns. Some have an adapter for car seats, are Isofix compatible or are 3 in 1 systems so you can use them right from birth.
A twin pushchair allows you to carry two children at once. There are models that have one or two separate seats, are lightweight and compact with plenty of storage space, bigger canopies and more maneuverable wheels. A few of our test participants liked the idea of a double pushchair, but found that some adjustable handlebars were difficult to use with one hand. Some adjust by rotating around a pivot point and this led to many pushing their hands closer to the frame. Other systems that telescopically move into and out of the frame sides were easier to use, even for taller parents.
Stores
The amount of storage space available in a stroller could affect your decision to purchase it. Take note of the space under the seat, in the footwell, as well as the large basket. If you are planning to purchase additional accessories for your pushchair, such as the tray for parents or a travel changing bag, this will be a major consideration.
A parent tray makes it easier to use the stroller, as it provides additional storage space for snacks and essentials. It can also make the stroller heavier and difficult to fold. It's also important to remember that the majority of tray for parents include shallow cup holders, which can cause items to fall out of the tray while traveling or while strolling.
If you intend to carry your baby until birth, you should consider buying a large-sized stroller that can accommodate a bassinet.